From the Detachment Commander
Gentlemen, I know this message is late in coming. It has been difficult for me to find the right words since you elected me. As we move forward this year, I want us to work together to make this Detachment shine brighter than it has in a long time.
When it comes to membership, I would like us to devote our time to retaining our existing members and ensuring that we take care of them as we should. Now is the time to focus on keeping our members engaged and maintaining strong membership. Remember to work our programs so that members feel useful, involved, and valued—and use those programs to support recruitment as well.
Second, I would like all Certifications of Officers submitted to the Detachment Commander immediately after officer elections are completed. Prompt submission will make life easier for our Squadrons and Districts and, most importantly, for our Detachment Adjutant.
All forms we receive should be completed and forwarded to the Detachment Adjutant as qickly as possible. When everyone handles paperwork promptly, it makes life easier for the Adjutant, District Commanders, Division Commanders, and your Detachment Commander and it prevents unnecessary follow-up calls about missing information. In return, the entire Detachment operates more smoothly.
I fully believe this Detachment can not only meet the 100% membership goal, but exceed it. I wholeheartedly believe we can accomplish this by the end of the year—or, at the latest,
by the Legion Birthday. If we work together and reach 100% retention by year’s end, you will see a very proud and happy Detachment Commander. This is something I have dreamed of
for years.
Finally, all official correspondence from me will include the tagline shown below. It will identify me as Ed Parnell—not Thomas Parnell or T. E. Parnell. Please also check the sender’s email address. The proper email address is eparnell62@gmail.com. If a message does not contain this tagline, it is not from me; treat it as a scam and delete it immediately.
Thank you for your attention, and thank you for remaining dedicated members of the Sons of the American Legion.
Forever in service to God and Country,
Ed Parnell
Detachment Commander
Sons of the American Legion
Detachment of Texas
